Ekka 2014: Still showcasing regional Queensland

IT IS the one time of year regions across the state can showcase what is great about where they live.

It is the one time of the year city folk can share a yarn while taking in the sights and sounds of their surroundings with their country counterparts.

It is the one time of year most parents dread.

That is right - it is Ekka time!

We have been really surprised this year with the beef numbers considering the drought. It just goes to show how resilient regional Queenslanders are.

Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Association of Queensland chief executive Brendan Christou said on Wednesday the Ekka would not be what it was if not for the people from across the state who call regional Queensland home.

He said they are the glue that makes the two week event such a success.

"The Ekka is all about showcasing the very best of what regional Queensland has to offer," he said.

"It is about bringing the country to the city . . . the way it has been for the past 137 years.

"The country folk love interacting with the city folk and I believe that is the aspect that makes the Ekka what it is."

Mr Christou said this year's event had taken on even more of a regional flavour.

"We have really focussed this year on lifting the standards," he said.

"We have competitors from right across the state down here competing.

"The core aspect of the show will always be agriculture.

"Everything else like showbags, rides, fashion and food is in place to support that."

Mr Christou made special mention of the beef farmers from across the state who attended this year's show despite the adverse conditions they were facing.

"We have been really surprised this year with the beef numbers considering the drought," he said.

"It just goes to show how resilient regional Queenslanders are.

"Queensland prides itself on being the beef state and I believe we have by far the best beef in the country."